Photos

Design

In 1939 the Nakajima B6N was designed by Kenichi Matsumura to meet the 14-Shi specification to replace the B5N. The requirements were:

Speed: 288 mph

Cruising Speed: 230 mph

Range with 1,764 lb / 800 kg bombs: 1,151 miles

Range with no bombs: 2,072 miles

The B6N was similar to the B5N but had more power and torque delivered from the engine.

Prototype

The prototype of the B6N first flew in early 1941. There were difficulties during the carrier trials. The vertical tail surface was moved to counteract the torque from the engine. Directional stability was poor.

Carrier Trials

The prototypes were tested at the end of 1942 on the Ryuho and Zuikaku. It was found that the arrester hook wasn't strong enough.

Nakajima B6N2, Navy Carrier Attack Bomber Tenzan Model 12: The Mamoru engine production was suspended so the Mitsubishi Kasei 25 engine was used (1,850 HP). Tail wheel was fixed. Appeared in late 1943.